Russia Strikes Ukraine: Fifteen Wounded in Strikes as Comprehensive Settlement Pursued

Russian forces struck Kyiv and Kharkiv, killing at least one person and wounding fifteen others, while negotiators pursued a comprehensive settlement in Abu Dhabi. The attacks on residential areas caused casualties even as diplomatic discussions explored multiple dimensions of a potential peace agreement.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko issued urgent warnings via social media that the capital was experiencing a “massive enemy attack,” urging residents to seek shelter. The strikes targeted residential buildings, resulting in casualties and extensive property damage. Heat and water infrastructure sustained significant damage, leaving thousands without essential services during winter.
Mayor Igor Terekhov reported that Kharkiv faced attacks from Iranian-manufactured Shahed drones, which damaged several residential complexes in the northeastern city. The drone strikes caused widespread destruction to civilian housing, highlighting Russia’s continued use of Iranian military technology. The city has faced persistent bombardment throughout the nearly four-year conflict.
In Abu Dhabi, negotiators from Russia, Ukraine, and the United States worked toward a comprehensive settlement through two-day talks. The UAE foreign ministry described the discussions as “ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and identify political solutions to the crisis.” President Zelensky announced that peace proposals were “nearly ready,” while also proposing a free trade zone in eastern Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Zelensky suggested economic and political solutions could work together, proposing a trade zone that would be “positive for our business.” President Putin met with Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as all parties pursued a comprehensive settlement despite ongoing violence and territorial disputes over the Donbas region.